Investigators search for cause of Crockery Twp. fire

Flames took hold fast. When firefighters arrived shortly after the 11 a.m. call, strong winds had already blown the fire into the house, according to Crockery Township Fire Chief Gary Dreyer. Within a couple of hours, the fire had crept through the walls and voids of the house, causing the roof to collapse and totally destroy the home, he said.

“Initial crews did find that the front foyer was being used as a storage area,” Dreyer said. “That made it difficult to gain access.”

Justin VanderZwaag was the only one home when the fire started at the house — which belonged to his parents, Wayne and Robin VanderZwaag. Justin, who was visibly upset at the time, would only say that “it was an accident” when asked if he knew how the fire started.

Fire officials planned to be on the scene today to search for the cause, Dreyer said.

Wayne VanderZwaag said that he and his wife were at a relative’s home when the fire started.